that video shows a newer machine using the ruffle foot, but it might help you figure out how to use yours. also, the video is showing it being used to sew the ruffle directly onto flat fabric, but you don't have to do it that way. i worked for a costumer who made cancan dresses for goldrush shows in the yukon, and we gathered the ruffles, then sewed them onto the dresses.

you can also gather using a shirring foot like this - http://crafty-dame.livejournal.com/10877.html#cutid1 but it won't gather nearly as much, especially if the fabric is thick. i thought the shirring foot was fabulous when i got it, and it's still great for gathering lace when i'm too lazy to put the ruffle foot on, but it's not nearly as fabulous as the ruffle foot!

i've bought feet from www.agreatnotion.com before and they'd be a great way to figure out what the feet you have are for. click on sewing machine and serger accessories, then on sewing machine presser feet, and you get pages of feet to look at!

alwaysinmyroom, your machine is so beautiful! She really looks even more vintage than mine! I wonder how old she is...do you know? I know mine is from 1953 according to the certificate, but yours looks even older. Wow, yeah..I think unplugging the cord is a good idea, I hope I can remember to do that when I use this. ^^;

that looks like a great machine! i would take it in for a tune up, call around and find someone with experience with antique machines. i sew with an early-60s singer, its the most wonderful machine ever. pre-1970s machines will work forever because they have all metal parts, no computers to fry or break down. lots of sewing machine makers had a program where you could trade your old machine for the latest model, then the dealers would take the traded-in machines out back and smash them to bits! this kept the price of the machines up, since they weren't going to break down by themselves anytime soon.

I'd love to get it checked over and tuned up, but there is nothing in my rural-ish area for that kind of thing. Also the dang thing weighs about 121829182918 pounds and I dread the thought of moving it again any time soon. ^^;Just swiveling it up to get at the bobbin case is a chore...ugh haha ok I'm exaggerating but it is really heavy.

You guys need to learn how to do simple wiring like replacing power cords and replacing plugs. The youngest Boy Scouts (12 years old) can do those things, and they are not so terribly difficult to learn.

It looks like an absolutely wonderful machine. Those old metal-bodied straight stitchers will work practically forever if you keep them clean and oiled and the movers don't drop them and wreck the timing. ( It olnly took a couple of years of going to fixit shops before I decided to fiddle with it myself and it works fine now, many years later, but dropping a machine is not recommended).

Congratulations on finding asuperb sewing machine. May you stitch happily fora long time.

You guys need to learn how to do simple wiring like replacing power cords and replacing plugs. The youngest Boy Scouts (12 years old) can do those things, and they are not so terribly difficult to learn.

ha ha--I know HOW to wire (I wired my entire basement for lighting), but somehow, I can't bring myself to do it on this machine yet--it just seems like part of the history...I rarely use it now that I have two others to use, thanks to a good friend and my sister!! It is just for inspiration from my creative relatives of the past....

Weird thing--the body of the machine says MERCURY but the case says SINGER. I found out from our local sewing machine repair place that almost all of the machines were Singer from this era (1930's?) but other companies like Sears (Kenmore) just put their name brand on it--

The footpedal says 115 volts but most modern houses are 120 volts so I am not sure if just changing out my plugs are going to make it any safer--I will check with my electrician--in the meantime, I just have it set up as a weird home decoration, ha ha

Did you guys see the old sewing machine that was snagged for about $10? It is awesome!! The front part has a gorgeous embossed metal piece--drool!!!